UAE delegation meet Pope Francis

A delegation was headed by Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, visited the Vatican on Wednesday to discuss the importance of promoting tolerance with Pope Francis (not pictured). Wam

UAE officials met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Wednesday about the importance of promoting tolerance worldwide and preventing prejudice, extremism and violence.

The delegation was headed by Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, who also met Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Sheikha Lubna described the UAE’s “philosophy of tolerance” and emphasised the need to promote communication and understanding of religions and cultures, reported Wam, the state news agency.

She also described how the country hosts more than 200 nationalities “living in dignity and safety”, Wam said.

The delegation visited the Vatican archivse and were shown drawings, documents and other items in the library, such as material on Arab history.

Sheikha Lubna was accompanied by Dr Hissa Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to Spain and non-resident Ambassador to the Vatican, and officials from the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the UAE National Archives, the Sharjah government and other entities.